Background & Purpose
The prison system is under pressure, and there is a need for more flexible ways to carry out sentences while maintaining security. This change aims to free up space in traditional prisons for more dangerous offenders.
Proposals & Debate
The government proposed increasing the maximum sentence length eligible for electronic monitoring from six months to one year and six months. The proposal also introduces a new option to serve time in special, controlled housing managed by the prison authorities.
The Decision
The parliament approved the proposal, meaning that from 2026, more inmates can serve their time outside of traditional prison walls under strict electronic supervision.
Does this affect you?
- Sentenced individuals: People with shorter prison sentences can now serve their time at home or in controlled housing instead of a traditional prison cell.
- The Swedish Prison and Probation Service: The agency will manage the new controlled housing facilities and perform suitability assessments for those serving longer sentences.
In Practice
- Prison sentences up to 18 months can now be served with an electronic ankle monitor.
- If the sentence is longer than 6 months, a thorough check will be done to ensure the person is suitable for home monitoring.
- New controlled housing facilities will be opened for those who cannot serve their sentence at home.
- The electronic monitoring rules start on January 1, 2026.
- The option to serve time in controlled housing starts on June 1, 2026.